Sierpe de Osa

(hotels, tours and spheres)

Sierpe is a quaint riverside town where scarlet macaws and toucans frequent the skies and ancient spheres grace the central park and surrounding 'fincas'.

It is known as the doorway to the northern Osa Peninsula, as many tourists pass thru the tiny town in the morning or afternoon on their way to Drake Bay. Sierpe is also the entrance point to the largest mangrove reserve in Costa Rica and the second largest in Central America, the Sierpe Terraba Mangrove Reserve.

In a Nut Shell:

For those who prefer to stay in a small town where there are not many tourists, there are plenty of hotels and cabinas, a few restaurants and even a few rental homes. The four block town does not offer much in terms of tourist infra-structure (not many bars, shops or a variety of restaurants) but there are two or three restaurants, several tour companies offering an impressive variety of activities and a true pura vida and safe environment. There are more bikes than cars and kids play in the central park until 10pm.

Bit of History:

Sierpe attributes its growth to the development of the banana plantations in the early 1900's. It is during this time frame (1930's to 40's) that the buried granite sheres were discovered, along with other artifacts such as stone tools and figureines. Since tha time, the banana plantations have left and African Palm plantations have moved in. Sierpe is now doorway for tourism and many people build boats for local hotels and tour companies.

About the Spheres:

Hundreds of stone balls have been documented in Costa Rica, ranging in
size from a few centimeters to over two meters in diameter. Almost all of
them are made of granodiorite, a hard, igneous stone. These objects are
not natural in origin, they are sculptures made by human hands.

Where is It?

280 km. (175 miles) southwest of San Jose

Elevation: sea level

How's the Weather?

Hot and humid

Temperatures: Average 69-89° F

Rainfall: Rainy season from late September thru end of November, dry season December - April or May